Here's the section called "Tandems on RAGBRAI":
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Tandems on RAGBRAI
--This guide is for those of you thinking about or planning to ride a tandem bicycle on RAGBRAI. Please read the following information carefully and be prepared to observe the safety and courtesy guidelines discussed.
Why do people ride tandems?
--The most common reason people ride tandems is that it allows couples of unequal ability to ride together and stay together. For some it is the thrill of going faster. Bikers of equal ability will go faster on a tandem than on individual bikes. Many enjoy the companionship of a friend or family member.
What problems can tandems cause in large group rides?
--The most common problems is excessive speed. Compare the tandem bike to the 18-wheeler on the road. You pass it going up a hill on the interstate, but then can't get out of the way going down the hill. A second problem with tandems is maneuverability. Like the large trucks, tandems need more space to corner and stop.
How do these concerns relate to RAGBRAI?
--Tandem bicycles have become more numerous in recent years. Resentment by other riders has risen disproportionately to the actual number of tandems due to the lack of courtesy shown by some tandem riders as they speed down the highway, passing everything in sight and demanding more room on the road. It may be an awe-inspiring sight to see a tandem couple in matching outfits fly down the road, leeading 15 sleek racers in a draft line, but it is not appropriate behavior while sharing the road with bicyclists of all ages and skill levels. It not only is dangerous, but it is also extremely discourteous to other riders.
How can these problems be eliminated?
--Tandem bicycle riders need to use the same approach as over-the-road truckers. They must ride safely, be courteous at all times, and give more than enough room to the other bicycles they share the road with. These simple measures would go a long way toward improving the image of tandem riders. Owners of tandems have made a large investment in their equipment, and it's time they become more concerned with their image, as well as with the safety issues involved in group riding.
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I certainly agree with the issues they bring up regarding safety, courteous riding and excessive speed while riding with a large group of cyclists. Maybe I am reading it wrong, but something must have happened in the past to really sour the mood towards those who ride tandems.
On the plus side, our tandems are 26" wheeled models, so our speed is not capable of 700c sized wheeled tandems. And we will be riding with kids on the back who cannot contribute much to the inertia of the tandem both in power and in weight. I doubt if you will find us in any pace lines, but I can guarantee that we will be in a few Dove Bar lines.
Minus the speed factor, everything that is mentioned in paragraph one above is the reason we have chosen to use tandems on this ride. Staying together, riding with the kids (unequal ability) and the safety of not getting separated or having to worry about the kids bike handling skills at their young ages.
Anyway, we will do our part to improve the image of tandems and follow all of the RIDE RIGHT rules in the booklet.
BB (I guess, according to RAGBRAI, an official 18 wheel trucker....)